I would like to thank Valinda for her help in bringing Mary to us and helping get this off the ground. She has been a very big help and made this much easier.

We started on this last year, and was part of an overall strategy in how we would approach this issue. While I do not get to control all the decisions, timing and logistics, I have had imput on making this happen.

But Valinda and MAry Shepard made it a lot easier on me. Thank you both.

Nice job Todd!! I'm glad the NRA is suing.

"The Obama administration: Erasing the line between satire and reality since January 20, 2009″

How much more Illegal than Illegal can we make it to murder someone with an Illegally possessed anything?

This is great news! And I am also happy that there are suits coming from multiple fronts. I have, and will be donating to all entities involved in the two suits filed today. Not knowing much about the plaintiffs of the SAF filed suit however, the bulk of my available funds will be directed toward the NRA. I don't have a lot to give, but I will give what I can.

Yes donating is a must. we have to fund them but there are other ways that we can make sure SAF and NRA are funded.For example. The NRA has a toolbar that you can download. With this toolbar NRA makes money from websites that you visit. Click here for toolbar download.

If that is true, then where has all the money come from for that holster collection you have? Actually I'm waiting now to see who else jumps on board. I'm on a fixed income so my extra pennys for donations are limitied on a monthly basis.

This is great news! And I am also happy that there are suits coming from multiple fronts. I have, and will be donating to all entities involved in the two suits filed today. Not knowing much about the plaintiffs of the SAF filed suit however, the bulk of my available funds will be directed toward the NRA. I don't have a lot to give, but I will give what I can.

Yes donating is a must. we have to fund them but there are other ways that we can make sure SAF and NRA are funded.For example. The NRA has a toolbar that you can download. With this toolbar NRA makes money from websites that you visit. Click here for toolbar download.

Notice in Todd's post, this case had it's beginnings over a year ago. These things don't just jump up in one day, and I'm sure the SAF has been planning theirs for a while too. So, remember the day of the vote, and everyone was jumping up and down hollering for litigation!?? It was in the works and Todd and Molly couldn't say anything about it!! Although Todd insinuated rather strongly I think that there was a suit coming, some didn't pick up on it and kept right on hollering about it. As Molly has said, we (the pro gun groups in this state) are working on three fronts, legislative, judicial and educational. And they're all going on at the same time and they're all working.

Now, to help the legislature alleviate their embarrassment at not passing HB148 and to help save the state a little money, I would offer this amendment to HB 148. To any legislators that are reading here, feel free to take this and use it as your own. As Rep Phelps said, we can do it easy or we can do it hard.

Amend 720 ILCS 5/23-1 with the following:

(720 ILCS 5/24‑1) (from Ch. 38, par. 24‑1)

Sec. 24‑1. Unlawful Use of Weapons.

(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly:

(4) Carries or possesses in any vehicle or concealed on or about his person except when on his land or in his own abode, legal dwelling, or fixed place of business, or on the land or in the legal dwelling of another person as an invitee with that person's permission, any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm, except that this subsection (a) (4) does not apply to or affect transportation of weapons that meet one of the following conditions:

(i) are broken down in a non‑functioning state; or

(ii) are not immediately accessible; or

(iii) are unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container by a person who has been issued a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card;

Engrossed:

(720 ILCS 5/24‑1) (from Ch. 38, par. 24‑1)

Sec. 24‑1. Unlawful Use of Weapons.

(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly:

(4) Carries or possesses in any vehicle or concealed on or about his person any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm, except that this subsection (a) (4) does not apply to a person who has been issued a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card;

*******************

We can throw in a quick line about our visitors from out of state. The state of Illinois recognizes any valid permit to carry a firearm issued by any other state.

That'll keep us from having to amend the law when Thune passes.

Are you a member of the ISRA?? If not, why not?? Join over 18,000 other Illinois gun owners in the fight for your rights!!!

The Roman Empire fell due to a large, corrupt government, overspending, an overextended military, insecure borders, and the illegal immigration of Goths, barbarians (anyone who was not educated), and religious fanatics. Sound familiar?

"..it does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds.."--Samuel Adams

Notice in Todd's post, this case had it's beginnings over a year ago. These things don't just jump up in one day, and I'm sure the SAF has been planning theirs for a while too. So, remember the day of the vote, and everyone was jumping up and down hollering for litigation!?? It was in the works and Todd and Molly couldn't say anything about it!! Although Todd insinuated rather strongly I think that there was a suit coming, some didn't pick up on it and kept right on hollering about it. As Molly has said, we (the pro gun groups in this state) are working on three fronts, legislative, judicial and educational. And they're all going on at the same time and they're all working.

Now, to help the legislature alleviate their embarrassment at not passing HB148 and to help save the state a little money, I would offer this amendment to HB 148. To any legislators that are reading here, feel free to take this and use it as your own. As Rep Phelps said, we can do it easy or we can do it hard.

Amend 720 ILCS 5/23-1 with the following:

(720 ILCS 5/24‑1) (from Ch. 38, par. 24‑1)

Sec. 24‑1. Unlawful Use of Weapons.

(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly:

(4) Carries or possesses in any vehicle or concealed on or about his person except when on his land or in his own abode, legal dwelling, or fixed place of business, or on the land or in the legal dwelling of another person as an invitee with that person's permission, any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm, except that this subsection (a) (4) does not apply to or affect transportation of weapons that meet one of the following conditions:

(i) are broken down in a non‑functioning state; or

(ii) are not immediately accessible; or

(iii) are unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container by a person who has been issued a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card;

Engrossed:

(720 ILCS 5/24‑1) (from Ch. 38, par. 24‑1)

Sec. 24‑1. Unlawful Use of Weapons.

(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly:

(4) Carries or possesses in any vehicle or concealed on or about his person any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm, except that this subsection (a) (4) does not apply to a person who has been issued a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card;

*******************

We can throw in a quick line about our visitors from out of state. The state of Illinois recognizes any valid permit to carry a firearm issued by any other state.

Notice in Todd's post, this case had it's beginnings over a year ago. These things don't just jump up in one day, and I'm sure the SAF has been planning theirs for a while too. So, remember the day of the vote, and everyone was jumping up and down hollering for litigation!?? It was in the works and Todd and Molly couldn't say anything about it!! Although Todd insinuated rather strongly I think that there was a suit coming, some didn't pick up on it and kept right on hollering about it. As Molly has said, we (the pro gun groups in this state) are working on three fronts, legislative, judicial and educational. And they're all going on at the same time and they're all working.

Now, to help the legislature alleviate their embarrassment at not passing HB148 and to help save the state a little money, I would offer this amendment to HB 148. To any legislators that are reading here, feel free to take this and use it as your own. As Rep Phelps said, we can do it easy or we can do it hard.

Amend 720 ILCS 5/23-1 with the following:

(720 ILCS 5/24‑1) (from Ch. 38, par. 24‑1)

Sec. 24‑1. Unlawful Use of Weapons.

(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly:

(4) Carries or possesses in any vehicle or concealed on or about his person except when on his land or in his own abode, legal dwelling, or fixed place of business, or on the land or in the legal dwelling of another person as an invitee with that person's permission, any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm, except that this subsection (a) (4) does not apply to or affect transportation of weapons that meet one of the following conditions:

(i) are broken down in a non‑functioning state; or

(ii) are not immediately accessible; or

(iii) are unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container by a person who has been issued a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card;

Engrossed:

(720 ILCS 5/24‑1) (from Ch. 38, par. 24‑1)

Sec. 24‑1. Unlawful Use of Weapons.

(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly:

(4) Carries or possesses in any vehicle or concealed on or about his person any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm, except that this subsection (a) (4) does not apply to a person who has been issued a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card;

*******************

We can throw in a quick line about our visitors from out of state. The state of Illinois recognizes any valid permit to carry a firearm issued by any other state.

Quinn hasn't changed, so House and Senate would have to override. It seems that State has backed itself into a corner. I'd love for the SCOTUS to tell IL that since it couldn't figure out a CCW law, it will choose by adopting one of ; Florida, Texas, Arizona, Utah, or Pennsylvania. (I don't know how good they are, just that they have a large reciprocal factor with other States).

Stuff it all the way down their throat and don't give them a choice of seasonings to put on it.

Ladd Everitt called the proposal to no longer require a concealed-carry permit "crazy. You would have dangerous individuals and criminals carrying weapons in public"

I think that both the NRA and the SAF suits are great news. I don't know how likely it is that the suits will cause votes in the ILGA to change, but, hey, we don't need all the NO votes to change - just a handful.Even if the tally doesn't change, there is still the bright light of victory at the end of the tunnel - however many years it may take to reach.

Kudos to the NRA, the SAF and their respective plaintiffs for keeping up the good fight.

The members of the ILGA had there chance to be a part of the process, even to the point of being begged. We have moved on!

If they are smart enough (doubtful)to see the writing on the wall, make THEM bring up HB0148. Let them remove the first amendment. (libraries) Let them add reciprocity AND open carry! Let them allow "reasonable Training."

Notice in Todd's post, this case had it's beginnings over a year ago. These things don't just jump up in one day, and I'm sure the SAF has been planning theirs for a while too. So, remember the day of the vote, and everyone was jumping up and down hollering for litigation!?? It was in the works and Todd and Molly couldn't say anything about it!! Although Todd insinuated rather strongly I think that there was a suit coming, some didn't pick up on it and kept right on hollering about it. As Molly has said, we (the pro gun groups in this state) are working on three fronts, legislative, judicial and educational. And they're all going on at the same time and they're all working.

Now, to help the legislature alleviate their embarrassment at not passing HB148 and to help save the state a little money, I would offer this amendment to HB 148. To any legislators that are reading here, feel free to take this and use it as your own. As Rep Phelps said, we can do it easy or we can do it hard.

Amend 720 ILCS 5/23-1 with the following:

(720 ILCS 5/24‑1) (from Ch. 38, par. 24‑1)

Sec. 24‑1. Unlawful Use of Weapons.

(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly:

(4) Carries or possesses in any vehicle or concealed on or about his person except when on his land or in his own abode, legal dwelling, or fixed place of business, or on the land or in the legal dwelling of another person as an invitee with that person's permission, any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm, except that this subsection (a) (4) does not apply to or affect transportation of weapons that meet one of the following conditions:

(i) are broken down in a non‑functioning state; or

(ii) are not immediately accessible; or

(iii) are unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container by a person who has been issued a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card;

Engrossed:

(720 ILCS 5/24‑1) (from Ch. 38, par. 24‑1)

Sec. 24‑1. Unlawful Use of Weapons.

(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly:

(4) Carries or possesses in any vehicle or concealed on or about his person any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm, except that this subsection (a) (4) does not apply to a person who has been issued a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card;

*******************

We can throw in a quick line about our visitors from out of state. The state of Illinois recognizes any valid permit to carry a firearm issued by any other state.

That'll keep us from having to amend the law when Thune passes.

Sounds good to me.

+1.

bob

Disclaimers: I am not a lawyer, cop, soldier, gunsmith, politician, plumber, electrician, or a professional practitioner of many of the other things I comment on in this forum.

The opinions expressed by this poster do not reflect the official stance of Illinois Carry. Apparently there was some confusion on the part of at least one person that it does, and I want to make things clear that my opinion is my own and that whatever the official stance of IC is or is not at present, it may or may not reflect my own opinion.

Fairfax, Va. -- The National Rifle Association is funding and supporting a lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of Illinois’ complete and total ban on carrying firearms for self-defense outside the home. The case, filed today in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, is Shepard v. Madigan. The lead plaintiff is church treasurer Mary Shepard; joining her as co-plaintiff is the Illinois State Rifle Association, the NRA’s state affiliate.

Mary Shepard is an Illinois resident and a trained gun owner with no criminal record, who is licensed to carry a concealed handgun in two other states. Because Illinois remains the only state that completely prohibits all law-abiding citizens from carrying firearms for self-defense outside the home, Mary Shepard also became a crime victim. While working as the treasurer of her church, Mrs. Shepard and an 83-year-old co-worker were viciously attacked and beaten by a six-foot-three-inch, 245-pound man with a violent past and a criminal record. Mrs. Shepard and her co-worker were lucky to survive, as each of them suffered major injuries to the head, neck and upper body. Mrs. Shepard’s injuries required extensive surgery and physical therapy.

“Mary Shepard isn't just a victim of the violent criminal who attacked her," said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. "She is also a victim of anti self-defense activists in the Illinois legislature who have consistently refused to recognize that good people have the right to protect themselves when they go about their everyday business. We're pleased that the legislature has come closer this year than ever before to changing the law, but close isn't good enough for Mary Shepard and the thousands of other Illinois residents who are prohibited by statute from defending themselves outside the home."

Because Illinois statutes prohibit the right to keep and bear arms and the ability to carry handguns in Illinois, they infringe on the right of the people, including Mrs. Shepard, members of the ISRA and other law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and are thus null and void.

Cox concluded: "In its historic Heller and McDonald decisions, the U.S. Supreme Court made clear that the Second Amendment protects a fundamental, individual right to keep and bear arms. Mary Shepard's story highlights the need for law-abiding citizens to be able to fully exercise their Second Amendment rights. Whether through the legislature or through the courts, we won't rest until that happens."

"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined.... O sir, we should have fine times, indeed, if to punish tyrants, it were only sufficient to assemble the people!"

"I am not well versed in history, but I will submit to your recollection, whether liberty has been destroyed most often by the licentiousness of the people, or by the tyranny of rulers. I imagine, sir, you will find the balance on the side of tyranny."- Patrick Henry

Thank you to everyone who made this happen. Clearly, Todd and Molly have had this in the works for quite some time. It will likely take some time, but it's great to see such much-needed steps come to fruition.

My only hope is the IL legislators who were working with us on 148 don't jump in after the fact and try to pass a CHP type law once the UUW/AUUW statutes are thrown out by SCOTUS. AT that point, they should say to the anti's, "well, you had your chance, we're not going to help you now that you don't like the outcome you created."

When my country, into which I had just set my foot, was set on fire about my ears, it was time to stir. It was time for every man to stir. - Thomas Paine

Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: the requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world - "No, you move." - Captain America

My only hope is the IL legislators who were working with us on 148 don't jump in after the fact and try to pass a CHP type law once the UUW/AUUW statutes are thrown out by SCOTUS. AT that point, they should say to the anti's, "well, you had your chance, we're not going to help you now that you don't like the outcome you created."

Maybe we should just go for broke.

Scrap the UUW laws entirely. The whole chapter can go in fact. It's rarely been used against real criminals. Mostly it is used against otherwise LACs. Just get rid of it (or most of it anyway).

Get rid of the long list of people whose life the state considers more valuable than mine. How about making it a life imprisonment w/o parole crime to murder any law abiding citizen? If it is a non-law abiding individual, only 20 years w/o parole.

Define sensitive places in no uncertain terms and provide for penalties for carrying in those places without specific authorization. Places like inside of prisons. It should be a short list.

Provide for penalties for posession by prohibited persons, and use federal law to define just who is prohibited. No reason to have our own definitions.

Amend the FOID card act to allow non-residents to acquire a FOID card (charge them $10 extra), and to consider a LTC issued by another state as satisfying the requirements to have a FOID card for all purposes as it pertains to non-residents.

bob

Disclaimers: I am not a lawyer, cop, soldier, gunsmith, politician, plumber, electrician, or a professional practitioner of many of the other things I comment on in this forum.

The opinions expressed by this poster do not reflect the official stance of Illinois Carry. Apparently there was some confusion on the part of at least one person that it does, and I want to make things clear that my opinion is my own and that whatever the official stance of IC is or is not at present, it may or may not reflect my own opinion.

Great job guys and gals! Daley would just toss big money fighting this like anything else. Well with Rahm at the helm he's looking at really cutting the budget/deficit (or so he says). Do you think this will impact they "normal" way Chicago would have fought this before compared to now?

She is also a victim of anti self-defense activists in the Illinois legislature who have consistently refused to recognize that good people have the right to protect themselves when they go about their everyday business.

I wonder if after Mary wins her case, can she sue all of the "no" voters in civil court for her damages?

Great job guys and gals! Daley would just toss big money fighting this like anything else. Well with Rahm at the helm he's looking at really cutting the budget/deficit (or so he says). Do you think this will impact they "normal" way Chicago would have fought this before compared to now?

Since the suits don't specifically target Chicago/Cook I personally can't see them putting much if any money into these suits. They've got their own challenges to worry about and I doubt they have any spare cash laying around to waste on something they know is a lost cause. I do expect there will be a lot of ideas coming from the Chicago/Cook reps behind the scenes.

Whether HB148 gets called again before May 31 I don't know but imho if the state was smart they'd take the deal and cash on the table that HB 148 will generate while they have the chance. I doubt they will but stranger things have happened.

She is also a victim of anti self-defense activists in the Illinois legislature who have consistently refused to recognize that good people have the right to protect themselves when they go about their everyday business.

I wonder if after Mary wins her case, can she sue all of the "no" voters in civil court for her damages?

Would be nice.... But they would probably lie and say, "I just voted the way my constituants would have wanted - had I asked them."

Great job guys and gals! Daley would just toss big money fighting this like anything else. Well with Rahm at the helm he's looking at really cutting the budget/deficit (or so he says). Do you think this will impact they "normal" way Chicago would have fought this before compared to now?

Since the suits don't specifically target Chicago/Cook I personally can't see them putting much if any money into these suits. They've got their own challenges to worry about and I doubt they have any spare cash laying around to waste on something they know is a lost cause. I do expect there will be a lot of ideas coming from the Chicago/Cook reps behind the scenes.

Whether HB148 gets called again before May 31 I don't know but imho if the state was smart they'd take the deal and cash on the table that HB 148 will generate while they have the chance. I doubt they will but stranger things have happened.

It remains to be seen just how much leverage the legal action gives us. These things are a big deal to us, but the antis might not give a hoot.

If it turns out they provide significant leverage, we should use it to our advantage.

I'd be willing to compromise at no fingerprints, lower cost, fewer prohibited spots.

I'd be willing to accept training requirements, but they should be something like FL's requirements on he safety side. If you are going to have a training requirement, having a standard section on the law as it applies in Illinois that HB148 had makes a lot of sense to me. That gives us a baseline for future court cases on just what the state is willing to admit the law actually says, instead of them lying about it as they do now and leaving you subject to arrest for fanny packing and other stuff the law clearly allows for but some cop does not approve of.

We should also use the opportunity to get full state wide preemption on firearms regulation. If we have to compromise in this area, allow certain kinds of gun regulations at the local level that only apply to local residents and can only be enacted at the county level and only by referendum. And at no cost to the gun owner. So if someone wants to register guns in Cook County, they have to get a referendum passed to do it and the county has to pay for the cost. No personal appearances required either. Make it clear in the law that it cannot be used to hassle LACs anymore. That will seriously discourage such things. As a practical matter it would likely eliminate them since the primary pupose of such laws is soley to hassle otherwise LACs.

It would be nice to provide some teeth in the law as well, but that might be hard to get past the LE lobby.

bob

Disclaimers: I am not a lawyer, cop, soldier, gunsmith, politician, plumber, electrician, or a professional practitioner of many of the other things I comment on in this forum.

The opinions expressed by this poster do not reflect the official stance of Illinois Carry. Apparently there was some confusion on the part of at least one person that it does, and I want to make things clear that my opinion is my own and that whatever the official stance of IC is or is not at present, it may or may not reflect my own opinion.

It remains to be seen just how much leverage the legal action gives us. These things are a big deal to us, but the antis might not give a hoot.

It certainly won't rattle the Chicago area anti's so long as it stays out of the area news outlets, which it has so far. With the exception of Fox News Chicago (not sure if it made an actual newscast but did make a blurb on the website), there has been absolutely zero reported around these parts regarding either suit.

Non-Chicago Democrats have been suffering politically because of the things the Northeast corner has been doing to the entire state.

They now have just a few options from which to choose, the worst of them being to spend millions of dollars we don't have fighting against something the people in those areas so desparately want - especially when you look at this in the context of Heller and McDonald where their arguments ultimately lost. This would be a very good way to become the minority party while only delaying the inevitable.

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. - C.S. Lewis

It remains to be seen just how much leverage the legal action gives us. These things are a big deal to us, but the antis might not give a hoot.

It certainly won't rattle the Chicago area anti's so long as it stays out of the area news outlets, which it has so far. With the exception of Fox News Chicago (not sure if it made an actual newscast but did make a blurb on the website), there has been absolutely zero reported around these parts regarding either suit.

You're absolutely right! Those people don't give a damn what is going on in the world around them. They prefer to live in their own little dream world where all is well! And the rest of us continue to suffer for their complete disregard for anyone but themselves. They will continue to ignore this issue even if these lawsuits are successful, and continue to believe that they are right. You will never change the minds of those who have their heads buried so deeply in the sand! [Or buried deeply somewhere else!]

Bravo, Todd - nice work. I publicly acknowledge that you, Valinda, the many other organizers here at IllinoisCarry, and the NRA, ISRA, and SAF have done an outstanding job of preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best. It was encouraging to see that you were in a position to act so quickly and with a credible plaintiff once the state failed to agree to reasonable efforts to regain our rights through the legislative process.

While this is bittersweet as a taxpayer, it's unfortunate that sometimes we do have to fight city hall, as the metaphor says.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Mary Shepard for being willing to be the point-person for this fight and standing up for our rights. While I am truly horrified by the attack she and her co-worker endured, I sincerely hope that her pain and suffering was not in vain and that she helps to ensure that others are able to defend themselves in the future.

Non-Chicago Democrats have been suffering politically because of the things the Northeast corner has been doing to the entire state.

They now have just a few options from which to choose, the worst of them being to spend millions of dollars we don't have fighting against something the people in those areas so desparately want - especially when you look at this in the context of Heller and McDonald where their arguments ultimately lost. This would be a very good way to become the minority party while only delaying the inevitable.

They will not all understand this but I'm hopefull many will.

I can't speak for anybody else, but I'm past compromise. They had their chance with 148.

The way I see it we leave them with two options.

A) Repeal UUW and A/UUW at zero cost to the state

Let both of these cases work their way through the courts at a cost of millions of dollars and countless man hours. In the end UUW and A/UUW are struck down.

I was fully behind 148. I didn't complain about being kept in the dark. I didn't gripe about compromises that I didn't agree with. Now I feel the need to say enough is enough. Let's stop pushing for a watered down legislative solution and let's reclaim the RIGHTS that have been trampled for so long.

It remains to be seen just how much leverage the legal action gives us. These things are a big deal to us, but the antis might not give a hoot.

It certainly won't rattle the Chicago area anti's so long as it stays out of the area news outlets, which it has so far. With the exception of Fox News Chicago (not sure if it made an actual newscast but did make a blurb on the website), there has been absolutely zero reported around these parts regarding either suit.

You're absolutely right! Those people don't give a damn what is going on in the world around them. They prefer to live in their own little dream world where all is well! And the rest of us continue to suffer for their complete disregard for anyone but themselves. They will continue to ignore this issue even if these lawsuits are successful, and continue to believe that they are right. You will never change the minds of those who have their heads buried so deeply in the sand! [Or buried deeply somewhere else!]

Yet more than anything else they want to keep policital power even if it means giving in on a single issue. Their leadership understands a tactical retreat.

Here's a scenario that could help them save face. Chicago has a new mayor Monday morning. He could easily turn Right to Carry into a win for them by going neutral on the issue or even, dare I say it, showing support. He does not have the power to fight it right now anyway.

Wishful thinking to be sure, but if they sit down and think about this they could turn it into their win very easily. If they don't, their choices only lead to more unpleasantness for them politically.

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. - C.S. Lewis